Review of Sh!tfaced Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’: “Full-of-crap show knows how to take the piss”

The comedy group celebrates its fifteenth anniversary treading the boards with their latest topsy-turvy approach to one of the Bard’s masterpieces. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show to let us know if this mad remake of the Danish tale comes off as a fine treat.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. And this time, that’s probably its humour. Following 15 years in a row turning the Bard’s classic into the biggest laughing stock across the UK scene (probably the only serious commitment these people can understand), Sh!tfaced Shakespeare, a company whose name leaves very little to the imagination, has finally done it — their wandering hands and filthy imagination has now moved to the greatest tragedy ever written.

And if you thought it is nobler in the mind to suffer, you may find yourself in a state of existential conversion as you delve into the performance. And that’s because the only philosophical question that will pop into your mind will be: to laugh or not to laugh even harder?

If there’s something that British humour excels at, that’s how gruesomely absurd it can get. And if that’s its brand, this show is no doubt one of its principal ambassadors. Packed with deliciously stupid double-entendres and the most hysterically moronic situations, this retake on one of Shakespeare’s magnum opus would even make the genius from Stratford reconsider the plot’s canon. It is THAT enjoyable.

A troupe of six brings the drama (sort to speak) back to life in the most catastrophic way possible — and that’s the essence of its brilliance. The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged meets The Play That Goes Wrong to produce this shining comedy gem that keeps the amusement at a top level throughout the entire rendition. Serious thespians are joined by the messiest, most unprepared actors imaginable, leading to this uproarious explosion of unending fun, where the spirits are always high (literally) and the only ghost that can’t haunt you is the one of boredom.

The chemistry that the cast exudes is impeccable, resulting in a fresh and uplifting execution that often comes across as a group of friends just fooling around rather than a professional interpretation — and it’s in that flawless naturalness that its success resides. There’s rarely a single moment that goes unaccompanied by the viewers’ raucous howling. And its drollery is so infectious, it’s impossible to resist its invitation for this Ophelia-degree-of-crazy party.

All the players do a remarkable job at providing the show with a sense of improvisation. Although many of those parts are probably scripted, the spontaneous vibe they bring is what makes the performance so engaging. The audience interaction excerpts (watch out, those sitting in the front row — or anywhere) are another solid contributor to the pricelessness of the material, turning the whole event into a celebration of toothsome ridiculousness that no one can escape and everyone wants to take a bite from.

Blending the most overblown gags with some occasional bits of subtler tongue-in-cheek satire, Sh!tfaced Shakespeare’s Hamlet is guaranteed to make guests poop their pants with a hilarious concept put together with spotless proficiency. Whether you’re an expert, fan, acquainted, or ignorant of the original piece, the chances of having one of the most rapturous feel-good experiences at the theatre couldn’t be more tangible with this one. Regardless of how rude, nasty, or just vociferously nonsensical its jokes may get, methinks no lady will protest too much about it. And by all means, none of the rest will be silence.

Sh!tfaced Shakespeare’s Hamlet plays at London’s Leicester Square Theatre until 21 September, followed by its tour across the UK. Tickets and dates for all venues are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara